Firefly Upsee User Manual

User manual

For French / Italian / Spanish / German / Mandarin / Portuguese / Swedish / Japanese / Arabic

please refer to our website.

www.fireflyfriends.com

Please read all
instructions carefully
before using the Upsee.

All instructions can
also be found on
our website www.
fireflyfriends.com along
with videos, diagrams
and FAQ’s.

Table of Contents

01 Intended Use
02 Declaration of Conformity
03 Terms of Warranty
04 Safety Information
05 Cleaning and Care Information
06 Daily Product Inspection & Servicing
07 Reissuing Firefly Products
08 Product Servicing
09 Instructions for Use:

5.1 Assessment and Prescription

5.2 Putting on your Upsee

5.3 Removing your Upsee

5.4 How to use your Upsee
10 Technical Table
11 Frequently Asked Questions

SECTION 1. Intended Use

The Upsee is an upright mobility device which enables an
adult to facilitate standing and walking for young children
from approximately 1 year to 8 years of age, who cannot
stand or walk independently. The UpSee is a device that
attaches to both parent/adult and child.

It consists of 3 parts: Adult Belt (1 Size), Double Sandal (2
Size options although allocated according to child harness
chosen) and Child Harness (4 Size options XSmall, Small,
Medium & Large). The maximum user weight is XS - 15kg
/ 33lbs, Small – 15kg / 33lbs, Medium 20Kg / 44lbs and
Large, 25kg / 55lbs.

We would recommend the adult user carries out daily
product inspections (according to Section 6 of this User
Manual) to ensure safe use of the product. James Leckey
Design Ltd cannot accept any responsibility if the product
is used outside of its intended safe use. If in any doubt
please contact Firefly Customer Services on UK 0800
318265 or ROI 1800 626020.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Conformity

James Leckey Design Ltd, as manufacturer with sole
responsibility for the Firefly brand, declares that the Upsee
conforms to the requirements of the 93/42/EEC Guidelines
and EN12182 Technical Aids for Disabled Persons, General
Requirements and Test Methods.

SECTION 3. Terms of Warranty

UK / ROI: Goods can be returned to us for warranty repair
or replacement up to 12 months from receipt. Once you
contact us we will arrange collection of the goods at our
expense and, once returned to us we will repair or replace
your goods and return them to you within 14 days. In all
cases, it is the customer’s responsibility to ensure the
goods being returned are suitably packaged, preferably in
the original packaging.

International Customers: Goods can be returned to us
for warranty repair or replacement up to 12 months from
receipt. Please contact us to obtain a case reference ID
as per the International Returns procedure. The customer
is responsible for the cost of returning the goods. Once
returned to us we will repair or replace your goods and
return them to you within 14 days.

In all cases, it is the customer’s responsibility to ensure the
goods being returned are suitably packaged, preferably in
the original packaging.

SECTION 4: Safety Information

1. Always read user instructions fully before use.

2. Check all components are securely fastened before use.

3. Do not modify the Upsee or use components other than

Firefly approved components with your Upsee at any time.

4. Failure to follow the instructions may put you and/or
your child at risk.

5. The Upsee should be stored carefully and should not be
used if any parts are faulty.

6. Carry out any positional adjustments and ensure that
all buckles, Velcro and press studs are fully fastened whilst
seated. Do not make any adjustments to these while
standing with your child.

7. The Upsee complies with fire safety regulations in
accordance with EN1021-1. However the product should
be kept away from naked flames.

8. Clean the product regularly in accordance with section
6 of this User Manual. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
Carry out maintenance checks on a regular basis to
ensure your product is in good working condition.

9. If in any doubt about the safe use of the Upsee or if
any parts should fail, please cease using the product
immediately and contact Firefly Customer Services on
UK 0800 318265 or ROI 1800 626020.

10. Ensure the Adult belt is worn around the hips.
Wearing the belt around the waist may cause back strain.

11. Recommended shoes while using the Upsee are
trainers (sneakers) for safety and stability reasons.
Shoes with heels, large boots, sandals or slippers
should not be worn.

12. Ensure the four connecting straps on your adult belt
are extended before attaching to your child’s harness and
standing up. Loosen the straps again before sitting back
down with your child.

13. Do not over tighten the straps as this will cause the
child to hang in the harness, placing you at risk of back
strain or losing balance.

14. Do not force movement – you could harm your child.

The Upsee should only be used as a full kit and not
be used as individual items. The kit including child
harness, adult belt and double sandals have been
designed to work together to provide maximum
level of support, function and stability. We cannot
guarantee safety of the child if individual items are
used separately.

SECTION 5: Cleaning and Care Information

Child Harness and Adult Belt:

- Upholstery can be placed into the washing machine
after removing straps, buckles and fastenings. Store
these in a safe place and out of reach of children.

- Staining should be removed as quickly as possible with
absorbent cloth, towels or a sponge. Routine soap and
warm water sponging is effective for ordinary soiling and
minor spills. Be careful not to saturate the fabric as this
will cause the stain to spread.

- Antiseptic cleaning agents can be used on more
stubborn stains. These may require a safe solvent
such as Isopropyl Alcohol or Mineral Spirit. Ensure that
cleaning products are fully removed.

- Do not bleach the product

- While line drying is recommended, the child harness /
adult belt can be tumble dried at a low temperature

- You can use a warm iron on the Child Harness

- Do not dry clean the Child Harness or Adult Belt

Double Sandals

- Sandals should be cleaned using a damp cloth only

- Check tread on sole to ensure it doesn’t become clogged
with dirt

- Check Velcro on straps to ensure their function isn’t
impaired by dirt or excess lint

Sandals should not be machined washed.

SECTION 6: DAILY PRODUCT INSPECTION

We recommend that various checks or the Upsee are
carried out before use to ensure the product is safe. The

recommended checks are detailed below:

- Check buckles and poppers are in place and secure

- Check all upholstery for signs of wear and tear including
Velcro strips

- Check all webbing / straps are secure and there are no
signs of wear or tear

If in any doubt to the continued safe use of your
Firefly product or if any parts should fail, please cease
using the product and contact our customers services
department as soon as possible.

SECTION 7. Re-issuing Firefly Products

Ensure the product has been cleaned thoroughly in
accordance with section 5 of this manual. Ensure a copy
of the user manual is supplied with the product. If in any
doubt to the continued safe use of your Firefly product or
if any parts should fail, please cease using the product
and contact our customer service department as soon as
possible on UK 0800 318265 or ROI 1800 626020.

SECTION 8. Product Servicing

Servicing of all Firefly products should only be carried
out by technically competent persons who have been
trained in the use of the product. This service is free of
charge within the warranty period assuming the product
has been used for the appropriate intended use. If the
product falls outside of the warranty period, repairs will be
chargeable. We may need to have the product returned
to Firefly for further inspection which may incur a small fee
for transportation. For all service related issues contact the
Firefly customer service team on UK 0800 318265 or ROI
1800 626020.

Section 9.1

Assessment and Prescription

See videos online at www.fireflyfriends.com
for further details.

Before purchasing the Upsee you must be
able to answer “yes” to three key questions.
This helps us (and you) make sure the Upsee
is suitable for your child.

1. Is your child already in a standing /
walking programme?

Your child’s participation in a physical therapy
standing or walking programme ensures that
your child has developed the necessary skills
to get the most out of using their Upsee.

If your child is not able to participate in a
standing or walking programme, use of the
Upsee is not recommended as it may cause
discomfort or injury to them or you.

If you are in any doubt about your child’s
level of ability, please consult your physical
therapist for advice.

A

2. When standing, are your child’s shoulders
below your navel / belly-button?

If, when standing tall, your child’s shoulders
are higher than your navel / belly-button, your
child is too tall for you both to use the Upsee
safely (a). The relationship of your child’s
height to you is extremely important for your
back care, as well as the stability and safety
of you both. If a taller adult is not available
to use the product with your child, it is not
recommended that you purchase the Upsee.

3. Are you and your child able to stand
upright while using the Upsee?

It is important that both adult and child are able
to stand upright while using the Upsee – for
example, the child’s head should not be pushed
forward by an adult’s large stomach.

If this is not possible, (most commonly due
to height or waist size) or any other physical
reason, the Upsee should not be used as it may
cause you to lose balance or feel unstable.

If you have answered “yes” to all 3 questions
above the Upsee may be considered suitable for
your child to start using. If you have answered
“no” to any of the questions, we strongly
recommend that you seek advice from your
therapist before purchasing an Upsee.

Other contra-indications (reasons not to
use the Upsee):

- Your child has severe high tone (very tight
muscles)

- Your child has a history of lower limb
fractures (for example, brittle bones)

- Your child has severe asymmetry
(differences between left and right sides of
the body) including hip dislocation

- Your child has severe lower limb
contractures (shortening of leg muscles)

- Your child shows discomfort in or out of
Upsee

- Your child has an unstable medical
condition requiring fast repositioning for
treatment

- Ladies who are pregnant

- Adults who suffer from back pain, mobility
or balance problems; or any other health
related issue which may be aggravated by
the use of the Upsee.

- Please take note of the maximum user
weights applicable for each size of Child
Harness: XS - 15kg / 33lbs, Small – 15kg
/ 33lbs, Medium 20Kg / 44lbs and Large,
25kg / 55lbs. The Upsee has not been
tested beyond this weight capacity.

If you are in any doubt about your child’s
or your own ability to use the Upsee,
please consult your physical therapist.

Section 9.2

Putting on your Upsee

Adult Belt

You should put your hip belt on first. Place the belt
around your hips – roughly 2” down from your
waist with the top of the triangular back support

Step1Step2

pointing upwards.

Wearing the belt around your waist may cause
back strain.

- Clip together and pull the two D rings away from
the centre buckle to tighten the belt ensuring the
webbing does not become twisted.

Your belt needs to be tight enough so that the
weight of your child does not pull it down over
your hips.

Child Harness

- The vest harness is put on most easily by laying it
flat and placing your child into it on his back:

- Lay the Upsee on a comfortable surface,

opening the buckles at the shoulders and
centre;

- Lay your child down on top of the harness,

matching their pelvis, chest and underarms to
the vest.

- The lower strap on the harness is the most
important one to get in the right place – it
should be snug around your child’s pelvis. In
order to achieve this, as a general guide, the
bottom edge of the vest harness should lie just
above the top of your child’s legs. The lower
strap should lie below the front pelvic bones
accordingly (a).

- Once the pelvis is lined up, place your child’s
arms into the harness, close the padding over
the shoulder using the press studs to adjust,
and fasten the buckles.

Take care not to pull the harness up off the
pelvis when fastening the shoulders.

- Fasten the central Velcro strip so that it fits
firmly around your child and secure with
buckles, tightening the straps as required, and
paying particular attention to the lower one.

- Pass the leg straps between your child’s legs
and into the buckles at the front.

Take care to ensure that the inner leg padding
is innermost against your child’s leg/groin
area. Tighten up the straps sufficiently to
prevent the vest riding up when your child
stands up.

Double Sandal

The adult should place their feet into the large
sandal first.

Step3

If your feet are smaller than the sandal, place
your toes to the front. If your feet are larger than
the sandal, aim for a middle position.

- Secure your feet tightly using the three Velcro
straps. Extension straps are provided if needed.

- Sit down on a stool / chair while supporting your
child to “perch” on the edge of the seat between
your legs – their feet should be on the floor.

- Place your child’s feet into the small sandals
and use the three Velcro straps to secure tightly
around your child’s feet.

Shoes should always be worn by you and your
child when using the Upsee. Recommended
shoes for adults are trainers / sneakers. Your
child should wear trainers/sneakers, shoes with
enclosed toes or orthopaedic shoes. Splints /
AFOs may be worn with the Upsee. Shoes with
heels, large boots, sandals or slippers should
not be worn for safety and stability reasons.

Our trials have shown that most adults find

A

it easier and more intuitive to place their feet
into the double sandal first. However, some
find it easier to place their child’s feet in first.
The instructions above are for adult feet first. In
either case, it takes practice and you may need
additional assistance to fasten the straps at first.